I have both a Mossy 500 and an 870. The Mossberg was my HD gun--ghost rings, sidesaddle, 6 shot capacity. For my birthday I was given an 870 Super Magnum (3.5 inch). These were the only two guns in the house. I prefer the control placement on the Mossberg but the 870 is a better hunting gun. I felt I needed to chose one or the other--no confusion in a high stress situation (HD or field I missed the safety flushing quail last weekend) so I am selling the Mossberg and getting a short barrel for the 870. Not in any way putting the Mossberg down--just my personal choice. That combo sounds like a great deal at that price.